GSM I
CONFIDENTIAL
DRAFT
MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO THE CHINESE
FOREIGN MINISTER
1.
It is
now nearly a year since the Joint Declaration of our two Governments on the question of Hong Kong entered into force. Since then there have been regular and close
contacts between our two Governments on a wide range of
the Joint
Declaration. I have been delighted at the degree of warmth and cooperation which has characterised these contacts and
reached the positive agreements
matters
at
sure
relating
bodes this
to
the
implementation
well for the
prosperity of Hong Kong.
2=
of
on many issues.
continued stability
I am
and
I believe it would now be
now be most useful if you and I
could meet to review the developments that have taken place
since
in June last year.
I would welcome
an
meeting in our opportunity both to take stock of progress and to consider areas where cooperation between
future.
us
will be needed in the
I have in mind such matters as a review of the work done by the Joint Liaison Group and questions relating
to the future structure of Government.
an opportunity
3.
If, as I hope, you agree that a meeting would be
useful I wonder whether there might be
I understand that during your forthcoming tour in Europe.
It in Brussels on 22 and 23 May. you will be
is likely
take that other business will
that time. me there around
If it were convenient for you, I would arrange my visit to 23 coincide with your own,
talk. SO that we might have a May would be preferable for me, but the afternoon of 22 May
would also be possible.
CONFIDENTIAL